The first colonial administration on the islands was the Dutch. England annexed the Islands in 1672. An administrator was appointed to the islands from 1887, and replaced by a governor in 1971 when the islands were created a distinct territory.
Up until 1971, the administrators were answerable to the governors of the Leeward Islands, of which the British Virgin Islands formed a part.
Powers
The governor is responsible for the conduct of any business of the Government of the Virgin Islands, including the administration of any department of government, with respect to the following matters:[2]
The terms and conditions of service of persons holding or acting in public offices, without prejudice to section 92; and
The administration of the courts.
The governor also has various powers to make and remove appointments,[4] and a power of pardon.[5]
Subject to certain exceptions, the Governor is required to consult with the Cabinet in the exercise of all functions conferred by the Constitution of the British Virgin Islands or any other law for the time being in force in the British Virgin Islands.[6]
List of administrators of the British Virgin Islands
^While the territory is commonly known as the 'British Virgin Islands', her official name is simply 'Virgin Islands'; moreover, section 35(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 stipulates that the name of the office is 'Governor of the Virgin Islands'.
^Except in relation to certain matters delegated to the premier, including external affairs relating to: (a) the Caribbean Community, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Association of Caribbean States, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, or any other Caribbean regional organisation or institution; (b) other Caribbean regional affairs relating specifically to issues that are of interest to or affect the British Virgin Islands; (c) the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands in matters of mutual interest; (d) tourism and tourism-related matters; (e) taxation and the regulation of finance and financial services; and (f) European Union matters directly affecting the interests of the Virgin Islands.
^Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, article 42.
^Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, article 43(1).
^Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, article 40(1).
.svg)
